The Oklahoma Horticulture Law & Rules
provides for ongoing routine inspection of plants, shrubs, and trees, with the goal of minimizing the spread of
insect pests, plant diseases, and invasive species. Simply put, we check plants at nurseries, greenhouses, and garden
centers to see that the plants are not infested. The law requires the licensing of anyone engaged in the business of
growing plants for sale (Grower License), selling plants
(Dealer License), or contracting to install plants
(Landscaper License).
A license is not needed to sell cut or dried flowers and herbs, cut Christmas trees, or fruits and vegetables.

This work group also processes state and federal phytosanitary certificates, which certifies plants and plants products as being
free of infestation for export. For application information visit the
Phytosanitary Page.

In addition, different surveys are conducted annually to ensure rapid detection of plant pests and to certify pest-free status for shipping.

Sancho Dickinson, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry’s Consumer Protection Services Division, said the quarantine includes soils, plants with soil attached, grass sod, used soil moving equipment, hay and straw, and anything else deemed a threat by any authorized agent of ODAFF or USDA.

“No movement of these regulated articles will be allowed intrastate or interstate,” he said. “These items will have to be certified by either federal or state inspection before being shipped out of the quarantine area.”

Other states with counties under quarantine for IFA include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The entire states of Florida and Louisiana are under IFA quarantine as is the entire territory of Puerto Rico.